Staff is going to be working hard over the next few days to dig us out from the latest storm.

It can take two to three days to recover from a large storm. Crews will be in the downtown core early in the morning and will move to residential areas as they are able. Streets are maintained on a priority basis, established by ensuring hills, major streets and emergency routes are cleared first. In general, after a big storm snow removal begins with 9th Street South and 10th Avenue North (within the confines of the Town’s jurisdiction); significant hills including Selkirk, Lafontaine and Garab Road; the area around the Fire Hall; and school routes.

“Services like snow removal will always receive both praise and criticism, as it is a challenge to meet everyone’s individual needs when servicing an entire population of people,” says Jon Wilsgard, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Golden.

The Town of Golden has over 55 kilometres of roads and 20 kilometres of trails and sidewalks to maintain throughout the winter. Access to the main traffic routes and the hills in Golden is very important to ensuring the safety of community members and motorists are encouraged to keep vehicles off roadsides and out of alleyways leading up to and after a storm event.

Once the first-round plowing and sanding has occurred, the crews then start the ice cutting and snow hauling processes, if required. Intersections, pedestrian crossings, hills and sidewalks get sanded first. This is to ensure public safety.

Once the main routes are taken care of, snow removal continues with Town owned parking areas; remaining residential streets; the Airport; and remaining sidewalks and trails, some in accordance with the Age Friendly priority map.

Driveways of senior citizens or persons with disabilities are plowed as soon as possible after major plowing and sanding has happened.

Residents are encouraged to do their part to help Golden’s hard-working snow removal crew be as effective as possible!

Please move vehicles off roadways and out of alleyways. Alleyways should be clear of woodpiles, boats and cars and travel trailers, as outlined in the Traffic, Parking and Streets Regulation Bylaw #966. This is crucial to the efficiency of our crew and Town staff is now actively patrolling for violations that could be hampering the snow removal process. Town staff would like to thank all residents who have moved their vehicles, trailers, etc. proactively or when asked to do so. This is a great help to us!

In addition, when clearing driveways clear to the right and try to wait until the equipment has gone through at least once. Shovelling out on to the roadways is actually a bylaw infraction, so please refrain from doing so.

General winter readiness with vehicles and for the walking public is also a great way to help. Have snow tires installed and keep sandbags in your vehicle, and if walking, wear appropriate footwear based on possible slippery conditions.

Watch for equipment and ice on sidewalks and plan ahead. If there has been a storm or if you know one is coming, assume that it will be two or three days before crews catch up.

“It is our goal to provide you with as best service as possible this winter,” says Wilsgard. “Golden’s standard of snow maintenance far exceeds most communities in the province. We brand ourselves on it and with your help, we can continue that reputation. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.”